Unit Checkpoint
Overview
Test your mastery of advanced grammar concepts including complex sentences, punctuation, and grammatical structures. This comprehensive checkpoint covers all unit objectives.
Checkpoint Questions
Question 1: Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) The results were clear, therefore, we proceeded with the plan.
B) The results were clear; therefore, we proceeded with the plan.
C) The results were clear therefore we proceeded with the plan.
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Answer: B
A conjunctive adverb (therefore) needs a semicolon before it and a comma after when joining independent clauses.
Question 2: Identify the sentence with a dangling modifier.
A) Running late, she grabbed her keys and rushed out.
B) Running late, the bus was already at the stop.
C) The student, running late, grabbed her keys.
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Answer: B
The bus wasn't running late - a person was. The modifier "Running late" dangles without a proper subject.
Question 3: Choose the correct word: "Everyone should bring (their/his or her) own lunch."
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Answer: Both are acceptable in modern usage
"Their" is now widely accepted as a singular pronoun. "His or her" is traditional but wordy. Be consistent within your writing.
Question 4: What's the difference between a restrictive and nonrestrictive clause?
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Answer: Restrictive = essential, no commas. Nonrestrictive = extra info, with commas.
Example: "The book that I borrowed is overdue" (restrictive) vs. "The book, which I borrowed last week, is overdue" (nonrestrictive).
Question 5: Fix the comma splice: "The movie was boring, I left early."
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Answer: "The movie was boring, so I left early." OR "The movie was boring; I left early."
Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma, or replace the comma with a semicolon.
Question 6: When do you use a colon?
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Answer: After a complete sentence to introduce a list, explanation, or emphasis
The words before the colon must be able to stand alone as a sentence. Wrong: "The ingredients are: flour, sugar, eggs."
Question 7: Make this sentence parallel: "She likes swimming, to hike, and reading books."
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Answer: "She likes swimming, hiking, and reading." OR "She likes to swim, to hike, and to read."
All items in a series should follow the same grammatical pattern.
Question 8: Which is correct: "The team, along with its coaches, (is/are) traveling tomorrow"?
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Answer: "is" - the verb agrees with "team" (singular)
Phrases like "along with," "as well as," and "together with" don't change the number of the subject.
Question 9: What effect does sentence variety create in writing?
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Answer: Better rhythm, reader engagement, emphasis, and clarity
Mixing short, medium, and long sentences keeps readers interested and helps emphasize key points.
Question 10: Identify the sentence type: "Although the weather was cold, we enjoyed the hike immensely."
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Answer: Complex sentence
It contains one independent clause ("we enjoyed the hike immensely") and one dependent clause ("Although the weather was cold").